However maybe extra fascinating is the truth that Apple additionally revealed a brand new whitepaper — “Longevity, by Design” (PDF hyperlink) — that explains “the corporate’s ideas for designing for longevity.” I’m certain there’ll be loads of evaluation about each web page, however inside the paper is definitely some information: Apple says that later this yr, it’ll prolong extra software program options to third-party iPhone parts.
True Tone, the characteristic that adjusts an iPhone show’s white stability to higher match your surroundings, has sometimes been disabled at any time when a third-party substitute display screen is detected by iOS. However quickly, Apple will enable clients to allow True Tone “to the perfect efficiency that may be supplied.”
The corporate notes that the outcome may not be as much as its regular requirements since True Tone is dependent upon server-side calibration that varies by every particular person machine and “correct communication between a product’s show and light-weight sensors,” which may’t be assured with a non-OEM element. Clients “will be capable of deactivate True Tone in Settings if the show doesn’t carry out to their satisfaction.”
Battery metrics are additionally coming to third-party batteries. Right here’s the related part from the whitepaper on that, and I’ve emphasised the newsy bit:
At the moment, battery well being metrics comparable to most capability and cycle rely are usually not offered to customers whose gadgets have third-party batteries. It is because the accuracy of those metrics can’t be verified by Apple. The truth is, an Apple inner evaluation has discovered that some third-party batteries bought as new are literally secondhand, with battery well being metrics manipulated to seem as new. In an effort to enhance help for third-party batteries, beginning later in 2024, Apple will show battery well being metrics with a notification stating that Apple can’t confirm the knowledge offered.
The whitepaper underlines how cautious Apple is of third-party batteries. It contains information on many exams that led to failures — generally leading to fireplace or explosions. “We encourage all customers to substantiate that the product meets stringent security necessities,” the doc reads.
Presumably “later in 2024” signifies that iOS 18 might be required to get this expanded software program help for third-party substitute elements. The following huge replace is because of enter public beta testing someday subsequent month earlier than a full launch within the fall.
Past iPhones, Apple is addressing another long-running criticisms of its self-service restore program. Crucially, acquiring elements within the first place will get a lot easier. The whitepaper says that “clients and repair suppliers will not must enter a tool’s serial quantity to the Self Service Restore retailer to buy a brand new half for many repairs.”